A local leader in waste management, CCNB’s Zero Waste department is constantly looking to expand the repertoire of materials they can collect for recycling, actively diverting waste from our communities away from landfills. Funded by an annual grant from CalRecycle, CCNB now collects glass bottles, cardboard, and PET/plastic wrap from wineries and tasting rooms throughout Sonoma and Napa counties, helping California’s statewide recycling goals.
A direct result of legislative shifts to California’s Beverage Container Recycling Program (the Bottle Bill), which incorporated wine and distilled spirits containers, CCNB joins broader efforts to enhance recycling rates, reduce litter, and protect California’s environment. These shifts also improve the infrastructure to support recycling efforts. CCNB now has two full routes, which have increased the tonnage of materials collected annually in the North Bay. Since the launch of this program, CCNB has collected over 22,000 pounds of glass, over 5,000 pounds of cardboard, and over 6,000 pounds of PET/plastic wrap for recycling.
At the same time, corpsmembers gain valuable hands-on training hours as they participate in these collection routes. They get experience with record keeping and data management: all materials are subject to extensive tracking and reporting. They make use of skills with tools and equipment like forklifts, pallet jacks, and lift jacks and learn to manage partner participation, ensuring they keep up with the demand for these services. Exposure to new industries also broadens options for corpsmembers as they explore what type of careers to pursue after completing our program.
Brandon Benton, Zero Waste Manager, said “this project has been a great expansion of Zero Waste Programs operating within the North Bay. We are poised to make a significant impact on local recycling efforts and overall sustainability within the wine industry.” As the need for more waste management arises, CCNB is happy to grow its offerings and provide our community with more opportunities to recycle.